They’re in the homestretch! The deadline to purchase tickets for Lebanon Community Library’s annual Kentucky Derby-themed benefit is Monday morning, April 23.

The event, held at Lebanon Country Club on April 28 at 5:30 p.m., includes a sit-down dinner, live music, and silent and live auctions. Guests are encouraged to wear their best Kentucky Derby ensemble, with a prize going to the person with the best hat at the event.

The Kentucky Derby theme has become a staple of the library’s benefit, now in its 24th year. Horse racing’s most famous event always falls on the first Saturday in May.

“We used to choose a different theme every year,” said Michelle Hawk, director of Lebanon Community Library. “One year, we had the Kentucky Derby theme, and a lot of people liked it. They got to wear their hats, and we have mint juleps and a horse racing activity.”

This is Lebanon Community Library’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and all proceeds will be used for the children’s department. The money raised will be put toward buying new books and funding the library’s many reading programs for kids.

“We have story times year-round,” said Hawk. “We have two public story times every week and another bilingual story time every week. We have our summer reading program as well, which is partially supported by United Way of Lebanon County and the friends of Lebanon Community Library.

“There are more programs throughout the year.”

Even if you’re unable to attend the fundraiser, you can still contribute. Donations are also accepted.

Sponsorships will keep within the horse racing theme as well. So if you donate $1,000, you will a major underwriter, or an Aristides, the first equine to win a Kentucky Derby in 1885, in increments down to $100, or Monarchos, who ran the fastest time in the race’s history in 2001 – although a donation of any size will help.

Those interested in purchasing tickets or donating can call Lebanon Community Library director Michelle Hawk at 717-273-7624, ext. 208, or by email at hawk@lclibs.org. For more information on the event, visit lebanon.lclibs.ord/give/benefit-auction.